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CLEANAWAY has started burning toxic waste which company bosses admit, in its purest form, could be used as a chemical weapon.

The substance, called Per Fluoro Isobutylene (PFIB), forms part of a mixture produced by Lancashire firm Asahi Glass Fluoro Polymers (AGFP) and is a by-product of the manufacture of non-stick coatings for kitchen utensils.

Until now the waste has been dealt with by AGFP s own small incinerator but that has failed tough new environmental laws.

In April Cleanaway in Bridges Road came in for a barrage of criticism from borough councillors and members of the public during a special meeting called to discuss the plan to accept PFIB for destruction.

But Cleanaway spokesman Gill Weeks says final construction and commissioning trials were completed in early June and the firm is currently processing the second full load of material.

She said: 'All our continuous monitoring systems are confirming that complete destruction of the waste is, as expected, being achieved, and that acceptance of this waste has no impact on our overall emissions.'

The Environment Agency attended the site to witness delivery and acceptance of the first load.

The issue was a key agenda item at our last liaison meeting where a full and frank discussion took place. This meeting was well attended by councillors, officials and representatives of local residents groups.